What is Top Load Car Transport?

The world of auto transport can be full of unfamiliar terms, especially for newcomers. But don’t worry, reputable car shipping companies like Autostar Transport Express can guide you through every step, including understanding options like top load car transport.

When choosing car shipping services, you’ll encounter various methods like open-air, enclosed, terminal-to-terminal, or door-to-door delivery. Top load specifically applies to open-air car transport, the most common method. Here, we’ll explore what top load car transport means and how it can benefit your vehicle during shipping.

Key Highlights

• Top load car transport positions your vehicle on the highest level of an open-air transport trailer, offering protection from leaking fluids from above and reducing the risk of damage from road debris.
• While top loading adds an extra layer of security for classic car transport, it comes with an additional cost and exposes your car more to the elements.
• Enclosed car transport provides the most comprehensive protection but is typically more expensive than open transport with top loading.

What does top load car transport mean?

Auto transport trailers typically have two levels or decks. Vehicles are loaded strategically, with some placed on top and others on the bottom. Top load transport guarantees your car’s placement on the highest level of the carrier. This elevated position offers several advantages:

• Reduced Risk from Leaking Fluids: A key concern, especially if your car is on the bottom level under an older vehicle. Even though leaks are uncommon, classic car owners often choose top load for extra peace of mind, knowing their prized possession won’t be subjected to drips or spills from a car above.
• Protection from Road Debris: Highways are full of debris – rocks, dirt, glass, and even tire parts. Unfortunately, this debris can get kicked up by vehicles, especially trucks, and damage your car. Since the bottom level is closer to the road, top-loaded cars have a lesser chance of getting hit by flying debris.

What makes top load car transport so popular?

Well, there are a few reasons for this. Let’s discuss the major ones:

Safety from other vehicles

When you choose open car transport, your car will likely be shipped with a number of other vehicles.  When you place your vehicle on the bottom level of the truck under an older vehicle, you never know what conditions the other vehicles are in.

Even though your vehicle should be well prepared to avoid leaks, some older vehicles cannot withstand the test of time. In most cases, leakage will not be a problem. However, when shipping a classic car by open transport, it is wise to pay the extra fee to ensure that your vehicle is top-loaded and will not leak.

Safety from road debris

Debris is a part of every road. There is a lot of dirt, rocks, glass, tire parts, etc., even on the cleanest of highways.

Sadly, road debris can fly up from under the tires of other vehicles, especially trucks, and hit your vehicle. Rocks and dirt can cause small dents and dings on your car. Sometimes, road debris can even crack windshields if it hits them in a certain way.

Vehicles loaded onto the bottom level are more likely to encounter flying road debris compared to cars loaded at the top level.

Top Load Car Transport: Things to consider

While top loading offers advantages, there are also some downsides to consider:

• Additional Cost: Rearranging the trailer to accommodate a top-load request requires extra effort from the trucker. This additional service typically comes with a fee, usually starting around $100.

• Exposure to Elements: Open car transport, by its nature, exposes your car to the elements, regardless of top or bottom placement. The top deck might actually experience slightly more sun, rain, or snow compared to the lower level. However, it’s important to remember that the top load itself acts as a shield for the bottom vehicles.

• Low-Hanging Vegetation: Cars on the upper deck are closer to trees and may brush against overhanging branches during transport. In rare instances, severe contact can cause abrasions, dents, or even fractures.

Top Load vs. Enclosed Transport for Classic Cars

The decision to use top load car transport for your classic car ultimately depends on your comfort level and budget. While top loading offers some protection against leaks and debris, it doesn’t guarantee complete security.

Enclosed car transport provides the ultimate shield for your classic car. Here, your vehicle is fully enclosed within a trailer, completely protected from elements, road debris, and potential leaks from other cars. However, enclosed transport typically costs at least 50% more than open transport.

Conclusion

For maximum protection of your classic car during transport, enclosed shipping is the ideal choice. But don’t worry, even with open transport, the risk of damage is minimal, whether your car is on the top or bottom deck. Autostar Transport Express boasts a damage rate of less than 1%! Additionally, in the rare event of damage during transport, we have a damage claim process in place, and the carrier’s cargo insurance will cover you.

If you’re on a budget and prioritize affordability, top-load car transport is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your classic car during shipment. Our express auto transport services offer top-load car shipping at competitive prices. Contact our team of experienced professionals today for a free quote!

Mark Dugger

Born and raised in Southern California, grew up in an athletic environment where he excelled at football, baseball, wrestling, golf, skiing, and water skiing. He chose computers as his professional calling, accepting the position of Systems Officer for a prominent cruise line. For the next ten years, he would circle the globe multiple times, visiting over 100 countries. Mark joined AutoStar Transport Express just 1 year after it was created. He is one of the pillars the company was built on. He started off as a coordinator, he excelled though the years with his hard work and dedication. His job performance not only grew his career but our company and as a whole. Mark now holds the position of operations manager overseeing the engine that makes our company run.

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